Gov. Murphy signs law requiring phone-free K-12 schools in New Jersey starting 2026–27
NEW JERSEY – Gov. Phil Murphy on Thursday signed bipartisan legislation requiring New Jersey school districts to adopt policies restricting student use of cell phones and other internet-enabled devices during the school day, a move supporters say will improve classroom focus and student well-being.
Murphy signed the bill at Ramsey High School in Bergen County. The law directs the state Department of Education to issue statewide guidelines, with district-level policies taking effect beginning in the 2026–2027 school year.
“With today’s bill signing, we are ensuring New Jersey schools are a place for learning and engagement, not distracting screens that detract from academic performance,” Murphy said. “Teachers report that students are more focused, less anxious, and they are socializing and laughing with each other — not through a screen — but in hallways and classrooms.”
Under the law, local boards of education must adopt policies aligned with state guidelines that prohibit non-academic use of personal internet-enabled devices during regular school hours, on school buses, and at school-sponsored events, with limited exceptions. The Department of Education said updated guidance is expected to be released later this month following stakeholder consultation.
Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill praised the measure, citing concerns about youth mental health. “Our young people are facing a mental health crisis – but, we all know that when children put the screens down, their mental health and academic results improve,” she said. “I look forward to implementing this important legislation.”
Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer said the law provides a consistent framework for districts statewide. “Today’s legislation provides the framework to ensure every classroom is a place for learning and free of distractions,” Dehmer said.
The bill’s prime sponsors, Sen. Paul Moriarty and Assemblywoman Rosy Bagolie, said the measure responds to long-standing concerns raised by parents and educators. “By developing a commonsense approach to help mitigate the hugely negative impacts of unrestricted cell phone and social media use in schools, educators will be well equipped to fight the crisis facing their students,” Moriarty said.
The legislation follows earlier steps taken by the Murphy administration to support phone-free school environments, including a $3 million grant program announced in December to help districts purchase storage equipment and fund training related to bell-to-bell phone restrictions.
“In today’s day and age, cell phones and social media have advanced far from their original concepts and, unfortunately, have been widely reported as heavy contributors to the youth mental health crisis,” said Senator Kristin Corrado. “With this policy, students will be able to better focus on their schoolwork and we can help ensure our children do not fall victim to the perils of social media at such a young age.”
Supporters across education, health care and advocacy organizations said limiting phone use can reduce distractions and improve school climate. Research cited by state officials indicates that reduced access to phones during the school day can improve academic outcomes and lessen mental health risks tied to excessive social media use.
District leaders from schools that have already implemented similar policies reported positive results. “By removing the distraction of the cell phone, we have reclaimed the classroom as a space for deep academic focus and critical thinking,” said Ramsey School District Superintendent Andrew C. Matteo.
The measure, formally known as S3695/A4882, passed with bipartisan support and makes New Jersey one of a growing number of states adopting statewide guidance on phone-free classrooms.
